Emanuel Cleaver: America has strongest economic recovery in world since pandemic, but prices are still too high

(From Fifth District Congressman Emanuel Cleaver)

Earlier this month, we received another encouraging jobs report from the Department of Labor, with 175,000 jobs created in the month of April. Additionally, as has been the case over the past 12 months, wages continue to rise faster than inflation, especially for low- and middle-income households, ensuring Missouri families receive more compensation for their labor.

Since President Biden inherited an economy ravaged by the global pandemic in 2021, we've witnessed the creation of more than 15.4 million jobs across the country, including more than 200,000 jobs in the Show Me State. 

Thanks to the resilience of American workers, as well as critical investments from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, Inflation Reduction Act, and more, unemployment has held under 4% for 27 months in a row--tied for the longest stretch in 70 years.

As jobs continue to be created, inflation continues to fall, and wages continue to rise, America is currently experiencing the strongest economic recovery from the pandemic among peer economies around the world--but I know the job isn't finished. Prices are still too high, and it's imperative that Congress take action to lower costs for hardworking families. That's why I've continued pushing for an expansion of the Child Tax Credit, investments in affordable housing, and an extension of the Affordable Connectivity Program, all of which would provide Missourians with a little extra breathing room financially.

As I continue to push for these policies in the House of Representatives, I wanted to provide an update on my latest work in the People's House.